Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

Dr. Benjamin Werner from Barts Cancer Institute in London is seeking a post doc candidate to join his team at Queen Mary University of London to work on the evolutionary dynamics of extra-chromosomal DNA in human cancers.

The position is funded for initially two years (with options of extension) by the CRUK and NCI Cancer Grand Challenge to work on the evolutionary theory and computational models of extra-chromosomal DNA in human cancers. Extra-chromosomal DNA drives some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers. Yet, little is known about the evolutionary process of ecDNA. This project will develop the mathematical/computational tool-box to describe the evolution of ecDNA and test predictions of these theories in existing and newly generated cancer genomic data.

The position will be integrated into a large international network (team eDynamic ) that includes leading experimental labs working on ecDNA in the US, UK and Germany.

About You

We are seeking quantitatively-minded researchers with a PhD in physics, mathematics, computer science, mathematical/computational biology, evolutionary theory or cancer genetics.

About the Institute

The Barts Cancer Institute (BCI) is a Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence whose work aims to transform the lives of those with and at risk of cancer through innovative research in the laboratory, in patients and in populations. BCI is internationally renowned in many areas of cancer research and it combines ground-breaking basic research with the expertise of clinicians and clinician. BCI is also a partner in the CRUK City of London Major Centre (together with UCL, King’s and the Francis Crick Institute) which is a Centre of Excellence in Biotherapeutics.  BCI is committed in supporting and developing future cancer researchers through its extensive postgraduate training. 

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

The post is based at the Charterhouse Square Campus in London. It is full time (35 hours per week), fixed term appointment for 2 years, with an expected start date of April 2026. The starting salary will be Grade 4, SP 25-33 in the range of £38,419 to £46,618 per annum (pro-rata), inclusive of London Allowance.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.